Eyes

Hair

Origin

Universe

Creators

Contents

History

Early Criminal Career

Leopold Stryke, the original Eel, was the curator of an aquarium who led a secret life as a costumed criminal.

He was first captured by the police as a result of his battle with Johnny Storm, the Human Torch. After stealing Project X, a miniature nuclear pile, the Eel attempted to sell it but was told about the device and attempted to dispose of it in deserted woods. Johnny was able to stop the Eel, but not before Project X went critical. In order to save countless lives, Johnny absorbed the blast but was seriously injured. [1] He was sent to prison, but returned to his life of crime after his release. After a second defeat by the Torch [2], he worked with Mr. Fear and the Ox as the Fellowship of Fear against Daredevil[3]. He was also amongst the many super-villains assembled by Doctor Doom to attck the wedding of Reed Richards and Susan Storm[4].

The Eel was recruited by Count Luchino Nefaria to assist him in his attempt to hold Washington DC for ransom. Nefaria and the costumed criminals he employed on this venture were thwarted by the original X-Men[5]. The Eel later acted in partnership with three of the other criminals whom Nefaria had hired: the Plantman, Scarecrow, and Porcupine.

Stryke later joined his brother Jordan, the original Viper, as a member of the first Serpent Squad. The Eel was also a member of the second Serpent Squad, although he was unaware on joining that Jordan had been murdered by the new Squad's organizer, the second Viper.

Convinced that they were failures, Stryke and Alex Gentry (Porcupine), sought guidance from the Celestial Mind Control movement, which was secretly masterminded by the alien Nebulon[6]. Nebulon pitted the mind-controlled Eel and the Porcupine against the Defenders, who defeated them both[7].

Death

He was killed by the costumed criminal known as the Gladiator, who stole a disintegrator ray device that was in the Eel's possession.[8]

Powers and Abilities

Powers

Abilities

Leo Stryke was educated as a marine biologist and highly skilled in the field of electronics. He was a fair hand-to-hand combatant.

Strength level

Eel possessed the normal human strength of a man of his age, height, and build who engaged in moderate regular exercise.

Paraphernalia

Equipment

Eel Battlesuit:

Insulation: Eel's costume was heavily insulated in order to protect him from the electricity it generated.

Greasy Coating: The costume exuded a grease-like substance which made it extremely difficult for opponents to get and maintain a firm grip on him.

Electrical Generation: It contained devices capable of generating large quantities of electricity, enough to stun or even kill a human being. He could utilize the electrical energy his costume generated for a variety of effects:

Electrical Blasts: The Eel could fire bolts of electricity from his hands.

Electrification: The Eel could electrify the outer surface of his costume with enough current to shock anyone who touches him into unconsciousness. This was direct current, so anyone grabbing him would be unable to release their grip.

Light Aura: The Eel could generate a glowing electrical aura around his costume capable of illuminating his immediate area.